BOONE, N.C. – North Carolina High Country Host, the premier tourism marketing organization in the northwest mountains of N.C., has named Karin Moss executive director.

              Moss has an extensive background in tourism and marketing, with 25 years of industry experience across the United States. She comes to the High Country from Kings Mountain, N.C., where she was director of promotion/events for Indian Motorcycle Co. and served on the board of the Kings Mountain Downtown Association.

              Moss replaces Judy Donaghy, who’s retiring after eight years as executive director.

              High Country Host received more than 40 applications for the post, with Moss emerging from a group of six finalists.

              Host president Donovan Murray said the board was impressed by the scope of her work history. Moss has been marketing director for state fairs in Oregon and California, along with director of promotion & events for Paramount’s Great America in San Francisco. She owned a marketing/resource development agency that promoted tourism in Branson, Mo., and provided resource development for downtown revitalization throughout Northern California. Her work has been cited for excellence by the Western Fairs Association and the National Main Street Center.

              “Karin’s strengths in marketing and economic development were a big plus. She has worked with two state fairs and was appointed executive director of California’s Sesquicentennial Foundation by California’s governor in 1998,” Murray said. “She will provide a wealth of ideas and help re-energize our marketing program.”

              Moss is enthusiastic about this new position and eager to sit down and meet with folks in the High Country. She stresses a “listen first” approach to her new job.

              “Not only will I be able to live in an area I consider paradise, but I’ll be able to utilize my many years of experience in marketing, promotion and nonprofit management,” Moss said. “I am looking forward to working with Host members to develop high-profile promotional strategies.”

              High Country Host boasts 310 members across a six-county region. It operates a visitor’s center on U.S. 321 in Boone, and annually distributes 160,000 High Country vacation guides.

              The HCH website, www.MountainsofNC.com, averages 40,000 unique visits per month.

              For information on North Carolina High Country Host, call (800) 438-7500.